Writing implement



Nov. 23, 1965 J. L. RUDEN 3,219,015

WRITING IMPLEMENT Filed June 21, 1965 F|G.7A

2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Joseph L. Ruden ATTORNEY Nov. 23, 1965 J. RUDEN WRITING IMPLEMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 21, 1963 INVENTOR.

Joseph L. Ruden 3 ATTORNEY United States Patent Filed June 21, 1963, Ser. No. 289,569 8 Claims. (Cl. 120-4203) This invention relates in general to a writing implement, and more specifically to an improved top action writing implement such as a ball point pen and the like of the type having a reciprocating stylus means movable between operative protracted position and inoperative retracted position. This invention constitutes an improvement in an implement of the type disclosed in my US. Patent No. 3,070,069.

The known top action mechanisms utilized in writing implements, such as in ball point pens or the like, for protracting and retracting a stylus between operative and inoperative position were relatively complicated, employing a relatively large number of moving parts many of which required finished machine surfaces and very close working tolerances. As a result, the manufacturing costs of such mechanisms are generally high in proportion to the cost of the other component elements of the implement. As a consequence, the high manufacturing costs were passed on to the consumer.

My pen construction, as disclosed in my US. Patent 3,070,069, succeeded in reducing the overall cost of such top action pens. However, While the pen construction of Patent 3,070,069 performed satisfactorily, it was noted that the resilient fingers of the plunger had a tendency to set when the stylus was disposed in either the retracted or protracted position since one of the fingers was always stressed or flexed inwardly of the barrel. Also, it was observed that in the event of an incomplete or inadvertent movement of the top acting mechanism of the patented constnuction, that there was a likelihood of the top acting mechanism to pop out of the barrel. While such popping out of the plunger was possible, it did not frequently occur, nevertheless, it did constitute an inconvenience when it occurred.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an improved relatively simple and inexpensive top acting mechanism for affecting positive movement of the stylus of a writing implement between operative protracting position and inoperative retracting position.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved holding means for maintaining the top acting mechanism in either the retracted position or the protracted position thereof. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved top acting mechanism for retractable ball point pens or the like which isconstructed and arranged so as to prohibit inadvertent popping of the plunger mechanism out of the barrel.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved camming means for effecting rotation of the plunger mechanism upon each actuation thereof.

It is another object of this invention to provide an intermediate holding position of the stylus so as to prevent inadvertent popping of the plunger mechanism out of the barrel.

Another object is to provide a writing implement of the type above indicated with an improved top action mechanism which incorporates a minimum of moving arts. p Still another object is to provide a top action writing implement that can be readily assembled and disassembled with a maximum of ease, and in which the stylus means or cartridge can be readily replaced upon completion of its ink supply.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a writing implement of the type having a retractable and protractable stylus with improved top action mechanism 3,219,015 Patented Nov. 23, 1965 that is positive in its operation, and one which is particularly adapted for economic mass production.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision that the improved top acting mechanism comprises a plunger means that can be entirely made in one piece either as a molded and die formed part formed of either plastic or metal.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of improved top action plunger means having a pair of angularly disposed resilient fingers of dissimilar lengths arranged and constructed so as to alternately cooperate with co-operating pairs of holding means formed at the wall portion of the implement barrel whereby the holding force of the plunger in either its fully retracted or protracted position is divided between the pair of resilient spring fingers in a manner in which a set in either of the respective fingers is prohibited.

It is another feature of this invention to provide an intermediate holding means in the form of a pair of holes which are diametrically opposed in the wall por tions of the barrel, and which holes are adapted to cooperate with one of the respective spring fingers so as to effect holding engagement therebetween in the event of an incomplete or inadvertent movement of the plunger to thereby prohibit inadvertent popping of the plunger out from the barrel on the implement.

It is another feature of this invention to provide an improved cam track for effecting the ratching of the plunger between retracted and protracted positions of the stylus so as to effect an operative engagement between the plunger and the cam track with a minimum of plunger displacement when efiecting either the protraction or retraction of the stylus means.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and accompanying detail description thereof in which,

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a ball point type writing implement of the instant invention in which the stylus is illustrated in its fully protracted position.

FIGURE 2 is a side sectional view of a ball type writing implement of the instant invention with the operating mechanism thereof illustrated in the operative protracted position of the stylus.

FIGURE 3 is a side sectional view of the implement shown in FIG. 1 in which the parts thereof are shown in the inoperative retracted position of the stylus.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of the implement of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, but with the parts thereof shown in an intermediate holding position between the fully protracted position of FIG. 2 and the fully retracted position of FIG. 3.

FIGURE 5 is a plan sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 2.

FIGURE 6 is a plan sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 2.

FIGURE 7 is a detail front elevation view of the improved top acting mechanism of the instant invention.

FIGURE 7A is a left side view of FIG. 7.

FIGURE 7B is a right side view of the top acting mechanism of FIG. 7.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional plan view of the plunger means taken along line 88 of FIG. 7.

FIGURE 9 is an expanded view of the improved cam track of the instant invention.

Referring to the drawing, there is illustrated therein a writing implement herein depicted as a ball type pen or the like 10, in which the stylus means 11 is adapted to project and retract between operative and inoperative positions. The implement or pen 10 comprises essentially an elongated barrel 12 having a bore 13 extending therethrough. As shown, the lower end of the barrel 8 12 is tapered in the usual manner to give it a pleasant and pleasing outline. Adjacent the upper end of the barrel 12, there is formed in opposite wall portions thereof, that is, at 180 apart, a pair of inclined holding means in the form of slots 14 and 15. In the illustrated embodiment, it will be noted that each slot 14, 15 is formed with a gentle oppositely curved curve or curl thereto. Preferably, the center line of the respective slots 14 and 15 are inclined at an angle of approximately 45 as shown. The upper end of the respective slots 14 and 15 is provided with a depending notch 14A and 15A formed in the lower edge to define a slightly enlarged upper end portion.

An integrally formed cam track 16 is disposed about the inner circumferential surface of the barrel at an intermediate point between the ends of the barrel. According to this invention, the cam track 16 consists of a plurality of inclined surfaces to define a series of operatively inclined indexing teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, four such indexing teeth are formed, each having an inclined surface that traverses a segmental portion of the barrel circumference. As best seen in FIG. 11, the indexing teeth are spaced and shaped to define a high and low tooth 16A, 16B. Thus the illustrated embodiment of the cam track 16 comprises two high teeth and two low teeth which are alternately spaced, in which all the teeth are sloped or inclined in the same direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective teeth 16A, 16B are sloped so as to impart a clockwise rotation to a plunger means 17 positioned in the upper end of the barrel 12 as will be hereinafter described.

It is to be noted that the slots 14 and 15 in the upper end of the barrel 12 are sloped or inclined in a direction opposite to that from the sloping surfaces of the respective teeth 16A, 16B formed on the wall portions of the barrel 12.

Formed in the walls of the barrel 12 adjacent to the respective inclined slots 14, 15 are a series of apertures or holes 14C, 14D, 14E; as best seen in FIG. 1, two holes, a high and low hole, 14C, 14D, are disposed in vertical alignment adjacent the one longitudinal edge of the barrel in spaced relationship above the lower end of the slot. Another hole 14E, is formed adjacent the opposite longitudinal edge of the barrel 12 immediately below and to the left of the notch 14A, formed in the upper end of the slot 14.

Similar, but diametrically opposed holes 15C, 15D and 15B are formed on the back side of the pen as indicated by the holes shown by solid lines in FIG. 2. In viewing FIGS. 2 and 3, the holding holes 15C, 15D in the cut away portion of the pen are illustrated in phantom.

The diametrically opposed holes 14C, 15C and 14D, 15D dispose in opposed wall section of the pen function to co-operate with the plunger and slots 14, 15 to be hereinafter described to maintain the plunger in either its fully protracted or retracted position, whereas the holes 14B and 15E formed adjacent the upper end of the respective slots 14 and 15 serve to prohibit popping of the plunger out of the barrel in the event of an inadvertent or incomplete plunger actuation, as will be hereinafter described.

Completing the barrel assembly 12 is a resilient clip 19 which has formed at its free end a rounded portion 19A which is adapted to mate with a recess 20 so as to provide for a positive clipping or holding action. It will be apparent that the barrel 12 consists of a single unitary member that can be readily molded of suitable plastic material or the like and therefore readily adapted for economic mass production.

Reciprocally mounted within the barrel 12 is a stylus means 11 which is adapted to be movable between operative protracted position as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and inoperative fully retracted position as seen in FIG. 3. The stylus means 11 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a conventional ball type point 11A and a connecting cartridge 11B to define a reservoir for an ink supply.

A spring 21 is coiled about the lower end of the stylus means 11 and it is compressed between an internal shoulder portion 22 formed in the lower end of the barrel 12 and a projection 11C formed on the cartridge. Thus the stylus 11 is normally maintained under spring tension.

In accordance with this invention, a simplified top action mechanism is provided for affecting protraction and retraction of the ball point 11A upon successive depressing action of the push button or plunger means 17. The plunger means 17 is positioned in the upper end of the barrel 12 and it is to be noted that it acts against the upper end of the cartridge 1113 so as to resist the action of spring 21 tending to force the stylus means 11 upwardly. In accordance with this invention and as best shown in FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, the plunger means 17 comprises an upper push button portion 17A which is adapted to project beyond the upper end of the barrel 12 when in position therein. The plunger also includes a base portion 17B with web portion 17C interconnecting the push button portion 17A with the base portion 17B. As is clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the diameter of the base portion 17B is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the barrel 12. Integrally connected to the base 17B and projecting upwardly therefrom are two resilient fingers 17B and 17F. As shown, one finger 17E is longer than the other finger 17F, and the respective fingers 17E, 17F are angularly disposed about the base. If desired, the respective web portion of respective resilient fingers may be provided with a longitudinally extending reinforcing rib. Each finger 17B and 17F adjacent its upper end is provided with an outwardly extending projection 23 and 24 respectively. The projections 23 and 24 of the respective fingers 17E and 17F are angularly disposed so as to be disposed at substantially right angles with respect to one another. See FIG. 7.

Projecting outwardly from the opposed sides of the base portion is an inclined cam surface or follower 25 which is positioned so as to engage the sloping surfaces 16C or 16D of opposed indexing teeth 16A, 16B of cam track 16, as will be hereinafter described. While the cam track 16 and cam follower 25 are shown as part of the barrel 12 and plunger 17 respectively, it will be understood that the position of the cam track 16 and the cam follower 25 can be reversed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, it will be noted that with the plunger means 17, when in position within the upper end of the barrel 12 and in the operative protracted position of the stylus, the lower end of the base 17B is only slightly spaced above the upper end of the smaller of the indexing teeth 16B of the cam track 16, and that the projection 24 of the long fingers 17 is urged against the upper end of slot 14. The projection 23 of the short finger is received in engagement with a holding hole 14D. Thus in the fully protracted position of the stylus, it will be noted that the spring fingers 17E, 17F are respectively engaged and urged against the upper end of their respective receiving slot and the holding hole so that the forces operating on the plunger 17 are divided between the respective spring fingers. In this manner the stylus means 11 is locked in its protracted position. Also, it is to be noted that because the projections 23, 24 of the respective fingers project outwardly to their respective holding slot and hole, there is no tendency of the fingers to set in the protracted position of the stylus. In the retracted position, the projection of the small finger is retained in one of the slots 14, 15 and the projection on the longer finger in one of holes 14C, 150.

With the construction and arrangement of the component parts above described, protraction and retraction of the ball point 11A between operative and inoperative position is attained simply by a series of successive depressing and releasing actions of the plunger means 17. In the event of an incomplete depression of the plunger 17, means are provided to prohibit popping of the plunger within the barrel.

17 and of the end of the barrel 12. These means comprise auxiliary holding holes 14E, 15E which are diametrically disposed in opposite wall portions of the barrel 12. As shown, the respective auxiliary holding 14E, 15E holes are disposed immediately below the recessed portion 14A, 15A of the respective slots 14, 15. The arrangement is such in the event of a partial depression or incomplete operation of the plunger 17 the projection 23 on the finger 17E retained in one of slots 14, 15 is cammed inwardly of the barrel 12 and engages in one of the holes 14E or 15E depending on the slot in which the finger projection 23 is recessed. In accordance with this invention, the auxiliary holes 14E, 15B are arranged to co-operate or receive the projection 23 of the small finger 17E only. This is because the incomplete depression of the plunger is only possible when the small finger 17B is retained in one of the slots 14, 15. It is in this position that maximum vertical depression of the plunger 17 is required to eifect protraction of the stylus. In the protracted posi tion with the long finger 17F retained in one of the slot positions 14, 15, the cam follower 25 is located above one of the small cam teeth 16B. Thus when the plunger 17 is depressed, the cam follower 25 is limited by the flat 16F of the cam track after but requiring only a small vertical displacement. When the cam follower 25 is limited by the cam track flat 16F, the projection 24 of the long finger 17F cannot engage either auxiliary holding holes 14E, 15E. As a result the holding holes 14E, 15B are rendered operative only on the long depression stroke of the plunger 17. With the parts described and positioned in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation of the implement is as follows: To fully retract the ball tip 11A to a position within the barrel as shown in FIG. 3, a force is applied to the upper end of the plunger or push button 17 to depress or displace the same inwardly of barrel 12. It Will be observed that the initial downward displacement of the plunger means 17 causes the projection 24 to be moved across the recess 14A formed in the lower edge portion of slot 14. In doing so, projection 24 is cammed inwardly of the barrel 12 and out of engagement with slot 14. As this is occurring, the projection 23 of the small finger 17E is simultaneously cammed out of its holding hole 14D and is displaced downwardly until the projection 23 is received in the lower end of slot 14. In this position, the plunger is in its fully depressed position and is limited by the flat 16F of the cam track. The proportioning between the upper end of the slot 14 with recess 14A formed therein and the intermediate or auxiliary holding hole 14E being such that the projection 24 is disposed in the web portion of the barrel separating the recess 14A of the slot 14 from the intermediate holding hole 14E. Consequently the engagement of projection 24 into the intermediate holding hole 14E is not possible at this point. Also, it is to be noted that in depressing the plunger 17, the cam follower 25 connected to the base 17B of the plunger has engaged the inclined surface of the small carn tooth 16 to effect rotation of the plunger in a clockwise direction. Because the cam teeth traverse a segment of the barrel portion, the plunger 11B will make a fractional part of a revolution. In doing so, the projection of the long finger 17F is moved away from slot 14 while the projection 23 of the short finger is moved into alignment with slot 14 due to the relative position of the slot 14 with respectto the holding hole 14D. Thus, with the short finger 17E brought into alignment with the lower end of slot 14 at the end of the downward stroke of the plunger, release of the force acting on the push button 17A permits the spring 21 to push the plunger 17 upwardly. In doing so, the laterally extending projection 23 on the short finger 17F becomes engaged in the inclined slot 14 and is cammed thereagainst to impart an additional rotational movement to the plunger means 17. As the spring 21 causes the projection 23 of the short finger 17E to ride to the top of slot 14, the ball point is retracted See FIG. 3. In this position of the stylus, it will be apparent that the projection 24 on the long finger is recessed or received in the assisting holding hole located on the back side of the barrel as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the length of stroke or movement of the stylus between fully retracted and fully protracted position is equal to the distance between the height or length of the two spring fingers 17B and 17F. To protract the ballpoint 11 from this retracted position, the sequence of operation is repeated. Initial depression of the plunger 17 will cause the projection 23 of the short finger 17E to move across the recess 14A in the lower edge of slot 14 and at the same time be inwardly cammed thereon to effect disengagement of the projection 23 from slot 14. This initial depression will also cause the projection 24 on the long finger 17F to be cammed inwardly to effect disengagement thereof from its respective holding hole 15C. With the respective projections 23 and 24 disengaged from their respective holding slot 14 and holding hole 15C continued depression of the plunger means effects engagement between the cam follower 25 and the inclined surface of the high teeth 16A to effect a rotation of the plunger in a clockwise direction. In accordance with this invention, it is to be noted that in the event of an inadvertent or incompletion depressing movement of the plunger, the plunger 17 is prevented from popping out of the top of the barrel since the projection 23 of the short finger 17E will engage the intermediate holding hole 14E located immediately adjacent to the recess portion 14A of the slot 14. This intermediate holding position is shown in FIG. 4. However, a further depression of the plunger 17 from this position will cause the cam follower 25 to engage the inclined portion 16C of the higher cam tooth 16A to effect rotation of the plunger so as tobring the projection 24 of the long finger 17F into alignment with slot 15 on the back side of the barrel as viewed in FIG. 2. Upon release of the plunger 17, the spring 21 again urges the plunger 17 outwardly to bring projection 24 into registry with slot 15. As the projection 24 is forced to ride up slot 15 under the spring action, an additional rotation is imparted to the plunger thus putting the short finger 17E approximately 45 out of phase with slot 15. Thus the ball point is again protracted, and the ball point locked in protracted position, by the projection 24 of the long finger 17F engaging the upper end of the slot 15 and the projection 23 of the short finger 17F engaging a holding hole 15D located in the back side of the barrel.

To again retract the ball point 11, the operation is repea-ted.

From the foregoing description of the operation, it will be readily apparent that in every fully retracted or protracted position of the stylus 11 that the holding force operation on the plunger 17 is divided between the projections 23, 24 on the respective spring fingers 17E, 17F and the slot 14, 15 and co-operating holding means 14C, D, 15C, D operatively engaging or receiving the same. Also, it is to be apparent that because of the receipt of the projections 23, 24 of the respective spring fingers into either one of the slots and a co-operating holding means, the spring fingers will not set. This is because the respective fingers are both maintained in an unstressed position in either the fully retracted or fully protracted position of the plunger.

It is to be further noted that because of the specific cooperative relationship between the cam track 16 and the cam follower 25 connected to the base of the plunger, the cam follower 25 is always positioned immediately adjacent the respective tooth portion so that a minimum of plunger travel is required to effect engagement of the cam follower 25 with each of the cam teeth upon each depression of the plunger.

Also, it is to be noted that an important feature of this invention resides in the coaction between the projection 23 of the small finger 17E with the intermediate holding holes 14E, 15E so as to prevent popping out of the plunger 17 from the end of the barrel in the event of an incomplete depressing action or operation on the plunger. From the above description, it will be apparent that the plunger means 17 consists simply of a single unitary element that is readily adapted to be either molded or die formed of any suitable material, as for example, a styrene or other suitable plastic and the like. Thus, the feature of this invention resides in a top action mechanism that consists of a single element which is particularly formed so as to co-operate with specific barrel structure so as to effect successive retraction and protraction of the stylus means between operative and inoperative position. Also, a feature resides in an intermediate holding position 14E, 15E of the plunger 17 so as to prohibit inadvertent popping out of the plunger out of the top of the barrel in the event of an incomplete depression action of the plunger.

To replace the cartridge or to replace the stylus means 11, removal of the plunger means 17 can be effected simply by simultaneous pressing the projections 23, 24 inwardly of the barrel to disengage the same from their respective slot and holding hole with a suitable sharp or pointed implement. With the respective projection disengaged from its slot and holding hole, the spring action will cause the plunger 17 to pop out of the barrel whereby the stylus means can be readily replaced. To reassemble, the plunger means is merely re-positioned by inserting the same into the open end of the barrel with one of the fingers positioned in alignment with one of the slots. Thus, upon depressing the aligned finger comes into entry with its aligned slot and the other finger is brought into registry with its appropriate holding hole. With the respective projections aligned with appropriate slot and hole, they will automatically snap into position and hold the parts in their assembled relationship.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the sphere or scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved top action writing implement comprising:

(a) a barrel having a bore extending therethrough and having cooperating pairs of holding means formed in the wall portions thereof adjacent the upper end of said barrel,

(b) stylus means mounted in said barrel for longitudinal movement between operative protracted and inoperative retracted positions,

() a plunger mounted in the upper end of said barrel acting on said stylus means,

(d) a spring acting on said stylus means normally urging said stylus means into engagement with said plunger,

(e) said plunger having means defining a pair of angularly disposed resilient fingers adapted to alternately engage with said pairs of holding means,

(f) one of said fingers being longer than the other,

(g) complementary cam means on said barrel and said plunger cooperatively associated upon depressing said plunger for effecting rotation of said plunger to position said fingers into holding position in one pair of said cooperating pairs of holding means to prevent set of said resilient fingers in either the protracted or retracted position of said stylus means,

(h) said spring acting on said stylus means biasing said plunger so that the aligned fingers are urged against the upper end of the cooperating pair of holding means upon release of said plunger so that the respective fingers in engagement with said cooperating pair of holding means maintain said stylus means in alternate retracted or protracted positions accord- (i) and means co-operating with one of said fingers for defining an intermediate holding position between the fully retracted and protracted positions of said stylus for prohibiting inadvertant popping of said plunger out of said barrel.

2. An improved top action writing implement comprising:

(a) a barrel having a bore extending therethrough and having cooperating pairs of holding means formed in the wall portions thereof adjacent the upper end of said barrel,

(b) stylus means mounted in said barrel for longitudinal movement between operative protracted and inoperative retracted positions,

(c) a plunger mounted in the upper end of said barrel acting on said stylus means,

(d) a spring acting on said stylus means normally urging said stylus means into engagement with said plunger,

(e) said plunger having means defining a pair of angularly disposed resilient fingers adapted to alternately engage with said pairs of holding means,

(f) one of said fingers being longer than the other,

(g) complementary cam means on said barrel and said plunger cooperatively associated upon depressing said plunger for effecting rotation of said plunger to position said fingers into holding position in one pair of said cooperating pairs of holding means to prevent set of said resilient fingers in either the protracted or retracted position of said stylus means,

(h) said spring acting on said stylus means biasing said plunger so that the aligned fingers are urged against the upper end of the cooperating pair of holding means upon release of said plunger so that the respective fingers in engagement with said cooperating pair of holding means maintain said stylus means in alternate retracted or protracted positions accordy,

(i) and said co-operating pairs of holding means including oppositely disposed inclined slots formed in opposed wall portions of said barrel adjacent the upper end of said barrel, a pair of diagonally disposed opposed upper holding holes, and a pair of diagonally disposed lower holding holes extending through the wall portions of said barrel,

(j) and said fingers being operatively associated with said inclined slots and said holding holes so that in fully retracted or protracted positions of said stylus means one of said fingers is received in one of said slots and the other of said fingers is received in one of said holding holes so that the respective slot and co-operating holes serves to divide the holding force of said plunger therebetween.

3 The invention as defined in claim 2 and including,

(a) means co-operating with one of said fingers to define an intermediate holding position between said fully retracted and protracted positions of said stylus means,

(b) said co-operating means including a pair of diagonally disposed intermediate holding holes,

(c) each of said intermediate holding holes being disposed immediately below the upper end of the respective inclined slots.

4. An improved top action writing implement comprising:

(a) a barrel having a bore extending therethrough and having co-operating pairs of holding means formed in the wall portions thereof adjacent the upper end of said barrel,

(b) stylus means mounted in said barrel for longitudinal movement between operative protracted and inoperative retracted positions,

(c) a plunger mounted in the upper end of said barrel acting on said stylus means,

(d) a spring acting in said stylus means normally urging said stylus means into engagement with said plunger,

(e) said plunger having means defining a pair of angularly disposed resilient fingers adapted to alternately engage with said pair of holding means,

(f) one of said fingers being longer than the other,

(lg) complementary cam means in said barrel and said plunger co-operatively associated upon depressing said plunger for effecting rotation of said plunger to position said fingers into holding position in one pair of said co-operating pairs of holding means to prevent set of said resilient fingers in either of the protracted or retracted position of said stylus means,

(h) said spring acting on said stylus means biasing said plunger so that the aligned fingers are urged against the upper end of the co-operating pair of holding means upon release of said plunger so that the respective fingers in engagement with said co-operating pair of holding means maintain said stylus means in alternate retracted or protracted position accordingly, and

(i) means co-operating with one of said fingers to define an intermediate holding position between said fully retracted and protracted positions of said stylus means,

(j) said co-operating means including a pair of diagonally disposed intermediate holding holes,

(k) each of said intermediate holding holes being disposed immediately below the upper end of one of the respective inclined slots.

5. An improved top action writing implement comprising:

(a) a barrel having a bore extending therethrough,

(b) a stylus mounted in said barrel for longitudinal movement between operative protracted position and inoperative retracted position,

(c) a plunger reciprocally and rotatably mounted in the upper end of said barrel,

(d) said plunger including a push button portion extending beyond the upper end of the barrel, and

(e) a base portion disposed within said barrel,

(f) an elongated web portion interconnecting said base portion with said push button,

(g) a pair of upwardly extending spring fingers integrally connected to and angularly disposed on said base,

(h) one of said fingers being longer than the other,

and each of said fingers having an outwardly extending projection disposed at an angle relative to each other,

(i) spring means acting on said stylus for normally urging said stylus against said base,

(j) a cam track having a plurality of indexing teeth formed integrally of said barrel about the internal circumference thereof adjacent said base,

(k) a cam follower projecting from said base for engaging vvith said teeth upon depression of said push button and connected base portion to effect a limited rotation of said plunger in a given direction,

(1) means for effecting a continued rotation of said plunger upon release of said plunger,

(m) said latter means including a pair of oppositely disposed inclined slots formed in opposed wall portion of said barrel between the cam track and the upper end of said barrel,

(n) said slots being positioned'so that the projection on each of said fingers are successively and alternately received upon each successive depression of said plunger in one of said slots for maintaining said stylus protracted when the longer finger is urged against the upper end of one of said slots, and in the retracted position when said shorter finger is urged against the upper end of one of said slots,

() means co-operating with said slots to divide the holding force of said stylus in either protracted or 10 retracted position so as to prevent set in the other of said fingers.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein:

(a) said latter means includes a series of assisting holding holes formed adjacent to each of said slots, one of said holding holes being positioned for receiving the projection of the other finger in the retracted or protracted positions thereof whereby one of said slots and one of said holes receive the respective projections of said fingers to divide the holding force of said plunger therebetween and further to prohibit a set in said resilient fingers.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 and including:

(a) means co-operating with one of said fingers to define an intermediate holding position for said stylus between fully retracted and protracted position,

(b) said co-operating means including diametrically opposed pairs of auxiliary holes,

(c) and each of said intermediate auxiliary holding holes being adapted to alternately engage the projection of one of said fingers to prohibit the popping of said plunger out of said barrel in the event an inadvertent incomplete depression of said plunger.

8. An improved top action writing implement comprising:

(a) a barrel having a bore extending therethrough,

(b) a stylus including a ball point and connected ink cartridge mounted in said barrel for longitudinal movement between operative protracted position and inoperative retracted position,

(0) a plunger reciprocally and rotatably mounted in the upper end of said barrel,

(d) said plunger including a push button portion extending beyond the end of the barrel, and

(e) a base portion disposed within said barrel,

(f) an elongated web portion interconnecting said base portion with said push button,

(g) a pair of upwardly extending spring fingers integrally connected to and angularly disposed on said base,

(h) one of said fingers being longer than the other, and each of said fingers having an outwardly extending projection disposed at an angle relative to each other,

(i) spring means acting on said stylus for normally urging said stylus against said base portion of said plunger,

(j) a cam track having a plurality of indexing teeth formed integrally of said barrel about the internal circumference thereof adjacent said base,

(k) a cam follower projecting from said base for engaging with one of said teeth upon depression of said push button and connected base portion to effect a limited rotation of said plunger,

(1) said cam track including alternately spaced high and low teeth to effect alternate co-operative engagement between said cam follower and teeth to effect a minimum of plunger displacement when effecting either a retraction or protraction of said stylus,

(m) means for effecting continued rotation of said plunger upon release of said plunger,

(11) said latter means including a pair of oppositely disposed inclined slots formed in opposed wall portion of said barrel between the cam track and the upper end of said barrel,

(0) said slots being positioned so that the projection on each of said fingers are successively and alternately aligned upon each successive depression of said plunger with one of said slots, said slots maintaining said stylus protracted when the long finger is urged against the upper ends of the respective slots and in the retracted position when said shorter finger is urged against the upper end of the respective slots,

(p) means co-operating With said slots to divide the holding force of said stylus in either the protracted or retracted positions thereof,

(q) said latter means including a series of assisting holding holes formed adjacent to each of said slots, one of said holding holes being positioned for receiving the projection of the other finger in either the retracted or protracted position so that said slot and one of said holes function to divide the holding force of said plunger therebetween and to prohibit setting of the resilient fingers in either position of said stylus,

(r) and means co-operating with one of said fingers to define an intermediate holding position for said stylus between fully retracted and protracted position,

(s) said co-operating means including diametrically opposed pairs of auxiliary holding holes,

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,070,069 12/ 1962 Ruden 12042.03

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,128,363 8/1956 France. 1,129,274 9/1956 France. 524,128 4/1955 Italy.

EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

LAWRENCE CHARLES, JEROME SCHNALL,

Examiners. 

1. AN IMPROVED TOP ACTION WRITING IMPLEMENT COMPRISING: (A) A BARREL HAVING A BORE EXTENDING THERETHROUGH AND HAVING A COOPERATING PAIRS OF HOLDING MEANS FORMED IN THE WALL PORTIONS, THEREOF ADJACENT THE UPPER END OF SAID BARREL, (B) STYLUS MEANS MOUNTED IN SAID BARREL FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT BETWEEN OPERATIVE PROTRACTED AND IMOPERATIVE RETRACTED POSITIONS, (C) A PLUNGER MOUNTED IN THE UPPER END OF SAID BARREL ACTING ON SAID STYLUS MEANS, (D) A SPRING ACTING ON SAID STYLUS MEANS NORMALLY URGING SAID STYLUS MEANS INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID PLUNGER, (E) SAID PLUNGER HAVING MEANS DEFINING A PAIR OF ANGULARLY DISPOSED RESILIENT FINGERS ADAPTED TO ALTERNATELY ENGAGE WITH SAID PAIRS OF HOLDING MEANS, (F) ONE OF SAID FINGERS BEING LONGER THAN THE OTHER, (G) COMPLEMENTARY CAM MEANS ON SAID BARREL AND SAID PLUNGER COOPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED UPON DEPRESSING SAID PLUNGER FOR EFFECTING ROTATION OF SAID PLUNGER TO POSITION SAID FINGERS INTO HOLDING POSITION IN ONE PAIR OF SAID COOPERATING PAIRS OF HOLDING MEANS TO PREVENT SET OF SAID RESILIENT FINGERS IN EITHER THE PROTRACTED OR RETRACTED POSITION OF SAID STYLUS MEANS, (H) SAID SPRING ACTING ON SAID STYLUS MEANS BIASING SAID PLUNGER SO THAT THE ALIGNED FINGERS ARE URGED AGANIST THE UPPER END OF COOPERATING PAIR OF HOLDING MEANS UPON RELEASE OF SAID PLUNGER SO THAT THE RESPECTIVE FINGERS IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID COOPERATING PAIR OF HOLDING MEANS MAINTAIN SAID STYLUS MEANS IN ALTERNATE RETRACTED OR PROTRACTED POSITIONS ACCORDINGLY, (I) AND MEANS CO-OPERATING WITH ONE OF SAID FINGERS FOR DEFINING AN INTERMEDIATE HOLDING POSITION BETWEEN THE FULLY RETRACTED AND PROTRACTED POSITIONS OF SAID STYLUS FOR PROHIBITING INADVERTANT POPPING OF SAID PLUNGER OUT OF SAID BARREL. 